[jacobm99]

I am hiving trouble finding zero play when adjusting my valves. I know it's supposed to be there when I feel the first sign of drag when spinning the pushrod with my fingers.
It seems like some of the lifters are "squishy" and I don't want to tighten the rockers too much.
The motor has roughly 100K on it and it is a '88 TPI 5.7 so I think it has roller lifters but not sure.

[willys36@aol.com]

I prefer to rock the rocker up and down while slowly tightening the screw. When the rocker just stops rocking, the slack is all gone.

[Frisco]

I prefer to hold the pushrod between two fingers and lift up and down while tightening the adjusting nut. When the up and down stops, that is zero. I then tighten down 1/2 turn.

Just a NOTE:

You can bottom out the lifter and still rotate the pushrod.

[jacobm99]

Awesome
I started doing exactly that (lifting the pushrod up and down)when I couldn't tell by twisting them- but I wasn't sure if that would an acceptable method.
Thanks a lot guys

[jimfulco]

I wiggle them back & forth. But I've always been a bit contrary

[Wrencher]

I usually use one finger to roll the pushrod, it will stop rolling with the slightest pressure. HTH Mike

[jacobm99]

I tried rolling it with just one finger too but the grease on my finger made it hard to tell whether it was actually turning.

What about the "squishiness" of the lifters- is that abnormal- or is it because the motor has no oil in it?

[TurboS10]

Hydraulic lifters fill with oil and it acts as a cushion to the valve train. When the lifters do not have oil in them they are "squishy". This is just the spring compressing. It will stop when they pump. It is highly recommended to use an oil pump primer to pump the lifters on the stand to make sure all is well.

Chris